The news hit like a freight train on a Tuesday morning in early February. Troy Selwood—the former Brisbane Lion, the VFL premiership captain, the guy who basically everyone in the AFL industry just genuinely liked—was gone. He was only 40.
Honestly, the Troy Selwood cause of death isn't just a headline for the tabloids. It's a heavy, tragic chapter in Australian football history that left a massive void in the Geelong and Brisbane communities. When the family released their first statement on February 4, 2025, they were clearly shattered. They described him as a "much loved and loving member" of the family, a doting dad to his kids, Tom and Sadie, and a man who brought "joy and light" to everyone.
But behind the tributes and the highlight reels of him charging through the midfield, there was a darker reality. Troy Selwood died by suicide at a property in Highton, Geelong. It's a detail that many find hard to reconcile with the "positivity and humor" his colleagues always talked about.
The Tragic Reality Behind the Loss
When we talk about the Troy Selwood cause of death, we have to talk about the mental health crisis that has been simmering under the surface of professional sports for a long time. Troy wasn't just some guy who played a few games. He was part of the Selwood quartet—one of the most famous football families in the country. He played 75 games for the Lions, then became a legendary figure at Geelong, captaining their VFL side to a flag in 2012.
After he hung up the boots, he didn't just walk away. He stayed deep in the game. He worked in recruiting, talent ID, and eventually moved to Geelong Grammar as the Head of Football and Sports Performance. By all accounts, he was thriving. He was "giving back."
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Yet, as we've seen too often, professional success and a smiling public face can hide a lot of internal pain. The fact that he was found in Highton after what was described as a sudden passing sent shockwaves through the industry. People weren't just sad; they were confused. How does a guy who seems to have it all together reach that point?
A Double Tragedy for the Selwood Family
What makes the Troy Selwood cause of death even more haunting is what happened just three months later. In May 2025, his identical twin brother, Adam Selwood—a West Coast Eagles premiership hero—also died by suicide.
Think about that for a second. Two brothers. Twins. Both elite athletes. Both gone in the space of 90 days.
Adam had spoken at Troy’s memorial service at Kardinia Park, calling Troy his "built-in best mate." He talked about the complexity of being a twin and the "wisdom beyond his years" that Troy possessed. To lose both of them in such a short window is almost unfathomable. It has forced the AFL to look inward at how they support players not just while they are stars, but decades after they retire.
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Why This Still Matters in 2026
You've probably noticed that we are still talking about this a year later. That's because the "footy family" is still grieving. The Troy Selwood cause of death sparked a massive movement for a dedicated Mental Health Round in the AFL.
People like AFL CEO Andrew Dillon and former teammates have been vocal about the "invisible" injuries. Troy was famously involved in a brutal head-on collision with Alex Rance back in 2009. While there's no official medical link cited between his playing injuries and his death, the conversation around CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) and the long-term impact of concussions always looms over these stories.
Troy was a "deep thinker." That’s what his family said. He cared about people. He spent his post-playing career trying to help young kids realize their dreams.
Remembering the Man, Not Just the Headline
If you only look at the Troy Selwood cause of death, you miss the person.
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- He was a kid from Bendigo who made it to the big league.
- He was a leader who wouldn't ask his teammates to do anything he wouldn't do himself.
- He was a mentor who actually listened to the teenagers he was recruiting.
The Geelong Football Club, where he spent over a decade in various roles, was effectively his second home. Steve Hocking, the Cats CEO, mentioned that Troy’s "energy and spirit" were infectious. He wasn't a corporate suit; he was a footy person through and through.
What We Can Learn
If there is any "actionable" takeaway from such a devastating story, it's that check-ins matter. The Selwood family has been incredibly brave in sharing their heartbreak to help others. They've asked for privacy, sure, but they’ve also let the world know how much they loved their boys.
The industry is different now. There is more funding for the AFL Players' Association (AFLPA) mental health programs. There's more awareness. But for the Selwoods, the cost was far too high.
Next Steps and Support
If this story has brought up anything for you, or if you're struggling, please don't sit with it alone. Reach out to the people who care about you or contact a professional service.
- Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 for mental health resources.
- AFLPA Mental Health Navigator: Available specifically for past and present players.
The best way to honor the memory of players like Troy and Adam is to make sure the conversation about mental health stays loud, stays honest, and stays active.